As mentioned before, a person with style and self-esteem will have a manor house located on the outskirts of the city for leisure living and as a venue for events and gatherings.
It is understandable why this model became popular. After all, with the unlimited expansion of Dunling, no matter how developed the underground drainage network is, it is impossible to completely metabolize the waste generated by this behemoth.
Moreover, except for the old city that was carefully crafted in the early days, the space in other places is really tight, and there is no place for the manor to stay.
When I drove away from the crowded low-rise buildings at the foot of the church and bell tower, I did feel a lot better. It always reminded me of the crowds, which are to infectious diseases what the vast waters are to schools of fish.
It is the promised land of proliferation and spread.
The green color rushed to his face, diluting the depression caused by spending many days in clinic wards and tunnel tombs. Sometimes he felt that those things were like pen tips that penetrated the cuticles of his skin, depositing pigments that could not be washed away and becoming a part of himself; or he felt that he
Gradually blend into them and become a part of them.
The weather was pretty good. After days of exposure to the sun, a light shower finally fell in the suburbs, and the air was fresh. Kraft specially chose an open carriage to get in close contact with nature.
In fact, it is not very natural. Most of the trees around the city have been cut down, and some of the field edges that were abandoned or during the rotation period have been re-engulfed by overgrown shrubs and herbaceous vegetation, presenting a vibrant and prosperous summer scene.
Kraft had a sense of distance from the past two weeks. The mystery of the college fire and the hidden ruins of paganism were all very far away.
There was only a young and successful professor here, riding to the banquet. The so-called upper circles had already opened their doors to him, and the world showed goodwill to those who were capable. Even the turf spreading out between the gravel roads was like a specially laid carpet.
In places that are not often jostled by people on wheels, some plants with wide and long leaves or taller stems reach over the waist, and are so bright and green that it seems like you could pull off half of them with your hand.
But if anyone really dares to reach out, the serrations on the edges of the leaves that are so small that they are invisible will cut the palm into a mosaic of skin.
The broadened view also exposed some unnatural traces on the wilderness. They were sunken strips that appeared and were interrupted without end. They were neither water diversion ditches nor dividing lines between fields.
The surrounding soil collapsed and slid into it, leaving it in a semi-buried state. There were regular lines extending intermittently.
A simple bridge made of wooden planks spanned one of the ditches. As the carriage passed by, Kraft saw clearly what it was - a tunnel close to the ground, exposed after the top collapsed.
Even on the outskirts of the city, anthill-like ruins are everywhere, and they are still within its confines.
Realizing this had an immeasurable negative impact on the professor's mood. He gave up thinking about unpleasant things and tried to liven up the atmosphere by chatting.
"The weather is nice, maybe I should go out for a walk more often. I can't even remember the last time we went hiking together."
"It's Westmin." Coop reminded warmly.
"Well said, don't say it next time." Obviously Kupp is not a good fan who is sensitive to the atmosphere, and Kraft gave up the plan of recalling the team's past shared memories.
"At least this time we can enjoy the lawn and food together. If they are willing, there may be music accompaniment, and the children can also find something interesting."
The last point is very important, because it determines that Kraft will really stay for a while, instead of looking for someone to get the information and then disappearing in the second half.
The carriage continued to drive for a while, and when the city in the distance turned into a dark brown mass, they approached their destination.
A piece of artificial forest blocks the outside view, and a stone-paved path branches off from the main road and leads into the forest.
After passing through a short path, the view suddenly opens up, and a short artificially trimmed lawn spreads out. The environment is quiet and open. The waiter waiting at the main entrance briefly checks the invitation and then quietly guides the guests inside.
This won Kraft's favor. He still remembered the embarrassment of being notified when he first appeared at the Rivers University banquet. I believe that most people would not like his name and a series of extremely embarrassing titles to be read out loud.
.
No matter what the occasion is, good or bad, there will always be a premonition that "there is no room for so many people here" will be heard from inside.
It was indeed an informal, casual banquet that took care of the comfort of all scholars.
A long table was placed in the main position of the open grassland in the manor courtyard, piled with white porcelain and silver cups and plates with desserts and drinks for consumption. The band played a soothing melody composed of double pipes and harps under the shade of the trees.
Background music.
Some things around the size of coffee tables look like exhibition stands, where sets or large pieces of equipment are placed, mainly glass and metal, polished until they shine in the sun.
Whenever guests walk from the seating area in the semi-open corridor around the venue to get food and drinks, they will pass between the small booths.
This strategy was successful. There were already some ladies of various ages surrounding the booth. Their fluffy skirts looked like velvet mushrooms popping up on the lawn after the rain.
The gloomy academics who gathered under the eaves of the corridor and whispered that they wanted to turn this into an academic gathering were passively led to the center of the venue by their ladies and ladies. They praised the ornaments with mixed feelings and looked at themselves at the same time.
Instruments and equipment that can be understood.
Kraft found several familiar faces among them, both from Rivers and Dunling University.
It is obvious to the naked eye that their relationship has eased. The fact that they can stand together and comment on a certain instrument is irrefutable evidence. It may also be that the presence of the lady has allowed them to consciously control the intensity of their words.
Seeing this rare and peaceful scene, it is suitable to go up alone to say hello to acquaintances, and let people who are just here for leisure move around freely.
"Yvonne, and Coop, you can go shopping by yourself." Thinking of the description in the invitation, Kraft added, mainly to Yvonne, "If you see anything interesting, you can choose one."
It’s a piece, but be careful when getting started.”
The girl nodded and looked at the shiny objects on the stand. Few people could resist the natural temptation of shiny objects.
But Yvonne quickly turned to the food table like Coop, took a piece of dessert and stepped aside without communicating with her peers. She is very sensitive and rational about money, and has a strong interest in building interpersonal relationships.
Very low.
In this regard, Kraft has no intention of forcing adjustments and always prefers to let changes take their own course by providing conditions.
Watching the two men pick up the plates, he sorted out the main goals of coming here for a while and prepared to join the circle of colleagues. This was an excellent social opportunity. A lot of news within Dunling Medical College unconsciously circulated in casual conversations.
, become an appetizer before the main meal.
A clear sound like the collision of turquoise sounded behind him and stopped him.
"Oh, Professor Kraft, I'm so glad you could take time to come during the war with the White Death. It must be very difficult." The owner of the voice did not attract more attention.
Well, it seems that dinner has come to your door.
Kraft turned around and saw a young woman in a green dress. She took off her wide-brimmed hat, bent her knees lightly, and entered the conversation with the same familiarity as when they first met.
"On behalf of the Xiguo family, I welcome you." She smiled and naturally changed the subject, "Of course. And your students."